Softball: These Section 1 underclassmen have made an impact in Class A, B and C in 2024

The jump to the varsity level is hard, but these young underclassmen have stepped up to the occasion and served as big contributors to their teams.

Sometimes, the older stars get the attention, but the spotlight is on these middle school-aged to sophomore softball players who are doing more than just holding their own.

Here is a look at some of the underclassmen who have made their mark this spring in Class A, B and C.

Class A

Liliana Aguirre, 8th, 3B, Lakeland: After getting a taste of varsity life last season as a seventh-grader, Aguirre has taken a big step forward as the Hornets' starting third baseman. She's batting .392 this spring, with 11 RBIs.

Haley Albano, So., C, Ardsley: One of several catalysts in the Panthers' success this season, Albano is batting .385, with seven doubles, a triple, 11 RBIs and 17 runs scored.

Sophia Alvarado, 8th, SS, Panas: She's shown great poise while playing a crucial position as an eighth-grader. Offensively, she's batting .364, with 17 runs scored.

Haley Arvidson, So., P/3B, Tappan Zee: An emerging pitcher for the Dutchmen, she's pitched well in big games, recently earning all-tournament honors at the Morabito Tournament and hitting her 100th career strikeout. Arvidson has a 1.84 ERA with 54 strikeouts and 10 walks allowed across 41.2 innings. While pitching may be her best asset, Arvidson has also chipped in four extra-base hits, including a home run, 10 RBIs and seven runs at the plate.

Emma Barbelet, So., P, Hen Hud: The reigning league pitcher of the year has picked up from where she left off as a freshman. This season, Barbelet has a 1.63 ERA with 71 strikeouts and 16 walks over 103 innings of action.

Bella Barry, So., CF, John Jay-Cross River: She's a reliable asset defensively, with her ability to cover plenty of ground, and you can always count on her to get on base. Barry has reached base in all but one game this season, and she is batting .500, with eight doubles, two triples, 15 RBIs and 15 runs scored.

Stella Bertoli, Fr., SS/3B, Tappan Zee: After making a strong first impression on varsity as an all-section eighth-grader, Bertoli is following up with another big season. She is batting .421, with six doubles, one triple, 15 RBIs and 14 runs scored.

Bella Caparrelli, Fr., RF, Pearl River: A two-year starter in right field, Caparelli has been batting well in addition to her defense. She's hitting .360, with a .407 on-base percentage and 14 RBIs. She's also helped out in the circle, serving as the Pirates' backup pitcher.

Angelina Carbone, Fr., SS, Hen Hud: After breaking out as an eighth-grader and earning all-section honors last season, Carbone has moved to shortstop and is enjoying another great year with the Sailors. She is batting .420, with five doubles and six RBIs.

Alyssa Chiappa, So., C, Tappan Zee: An all-section honorable mention last season, Chiappa continues to be an impact player and a driving force from behind the plate. This season, she's batting .400, with six doubles, a triple, 15 RBIs and 14 runs scored.

Sierra Condon, Fr., CF, Edgemont: In addition to her glove in the outfield, she ranks among the top three on her team in batting average (.450), on-base percentage (.574), runs scored (16), RBIs (12), and batting average with runners in scoring position.

Carys Cooper, Fr., C/3B, John Jay-Cross River: She's excellent behind the plate as catcher, but she's also solid at third base. This season, she's batting .347, with three doubles, five triples, six RBIs and 11 runs scored.

Angelina Costomiris, Fr., SS/1B, Edgemont: She's played a big part in the Panthers' success this season. Costomiris leads the team in doubles (9) and runs scored (24), and also has the second-highest batting average (.470) and an on-base percentage of .550.

Laney Daly, So., SS, John Jay-Cross River: Another emerging young leader for the Wolves, Daly has been a crucial anchor of the infield. Despite battling through injuries, she remains a productive player, hitting .351 with seven runs scored.

Maria DeGaetano, Fr., P, John Jay-Cross River: The freshman pitcher has handled high-pressure moments just fine and is becoming a go-to arm for the Wolves. Through 45 innings, she's given up only 10 runs (1.55 ERA) while striking out 43 batters and relinquishing five walks.

Taylor Donnelly, Fr., CF, Pearl River: A returning starter and all-section honorable mention as an eighth-grader, Donnelly continues to be a defensive lifeline in the outfield with her speed and fielding ability, and she's improved as a hitter, batting .340 with a .404 on-base percentage and 15 runs scored.

Isabella Feldman, 8th, 1B/P, Ardsley: Feldman is batting .418, with eight doubles, two home runs, 14 RBIs and 10 runs scored. She's also delivered in big moments, recently hitting the game-winning walkoff double in an extra-inning marathon with Rye Neck.

Riley Foote, Fr., 2B/P, John Jay-Cross River: She's emerged as a leader for the Wolves, and she continues to play well after a solid eighth-grade varsity season. This year, Foote is batting .434 with five doubles, a triple, one home run, 13 RBIs and eight runs scored. She's also helped out in the circle, collecting 47 strikeouts in eight games.

Penelope Gilmore, Fr., 2B/P, Rye: After a solid eighth-grade season, Gilmore is batting .300 and has the third-most RBIs for the Garnets with 13. She is also a member of the pitching rotation and has three wins in the circle.

Tessa Guernah, Fr., SS, Ardsley: Another member of the Panthers' young and talented core, Guernah is batting .365, with four doubles, a home run, 10 RBIs and 17 runs scored.

Sofia Haber, So., P, Ardsley: The reigning league pitcher of the year has leveled up her game in her sophomore season. She's pitched several shutouts and a perfect game, tallying 154 strikeouts and just 25 walks over 95 innings of action. An all-around player, Haber is also a threat with her bat. She is batting .485, with five doubles, three triples, 13 RBIs and 20 runs scored.

Ava Handelman, So., OF, Tappan Zee: A versatile player who can play anywhere in the outfield, Handleman is batting .318, with two doubles, 10 runs scored, eight walks and six RBIs.

Caroline Joyce, Fr., OF/P, Rye: The Garnets' outfielder is batting .350, and has the second-most RBIs on the team with 14. She also helps out from time to time as a pitcher, and has three wins in the circle.

Tessa Labovitz, So., SS, Rye: The Garnets shortstop is batting .370 and has a team-high 15 RBIs.

Giuliana Looram, So., OF, Tappan Zee: Currently playing right field for the Dutchmen in her second season as a varsity starter, Looram is batting .310, with eight runs and five RBIs.

Ella McHugh, Fr., 2B, Pearl River: A two-year starter at second base, McHugh is batting .345 with a .410 on-base percentage and 19 runs scored, while remaining a tough player defensively.

Savannah Nordstrom, So., 1B, Tappan Zee: Another player in an exclusive group of sophomores who are four-year varsity players, Nordstrom has been a fixture on this list of impact underclassmen and in Tappan Zee's lineup. After earning her first all-state distinction last season, the hard-hitting lefty is following up with another great season. She is batting .471, with 11 doubles, one home run, 17 RBIs, 15 runs scored, 12 walks and a .745 slugging percentage this year.

Maeve O'Donnell, So., SS, Nyack: After a breakout freshman season, O'Donnell remains a key fixture in the RedHawks' lineup in her fourth year on varsity. This season, she is batting .452, with four doubles, a triple, 20 runs scored and 14 RBIs.

Sophia Pecora, 8th, RF, Ardsley: A solid presence in the outfield, Pecora has been a valued contributor for the Panthers as an eighth-grader. She is batting .431, with four doubles, two triples, eight RBIs, and 11 runs scored.

Emma Philp, 7th, 2B, Ardsley: It's been quite the varsity debut for Philp. Since leaving a strong first impression in sparking the Panthers to a come-from-behind victory over Rye in their season opener with several big hits, the Ardsley seventh-grader hasn't looked back. Philp is batting .409, with five doubles, a triple, three home runs, nine walks, 16 RBIs, 21 runs scored and eight stolen bases.

Natalie Porter, So., UTIL, Panas: Her defensive versatility and flexibility make her a crucial part of the Panthers' lineup. Porter has bounced around various positions in the infield and outfield depending on the team's need on a game-by-game basis, while batting .333 with 13 RBIs and 14 runs scored.

McKenna Silverman, 7th, 1B, Hen Hud: She has great plate discipline and rarely strikes out as a solid contact hitter. Silverman is batting .370 in her first varsity season, with 10 RBIs.

Lillian Tomlinson, Fr., CF, Panas: Since getting the call up to varsity midway through her eighth-grade season, Tomlinson hasn't looked back. The speedy freshman is batting .407 with 16 runs, 12 RBIs and eight steals, and has become a strong presence in the outfield.

Haley Vazquez, So., OF, Nyack: After a solid freshman season, Vazquez continues to be a key player in the outfield for the RedHawks. She's batting .313, with 21 runs scored and has been hit-by-pitch eight times this season.

Kenna Vogel, Fr., C, Panas: Vogel has taken a big step forward in her second season as a full-time starter. She's taken great strides defensively, while batting .463, with 10 walks, 20 runs, 16 RBIs and a .685 slugging percentage.

Class B

Charley Benjamin-Eichenberg, 8th, 1B, Croton-Harmon: She's made her mark in her varsity debut season, serving as the Tigers' starting first baseman. This season, she's recorded at least one hit in all but two games, and has a batting average of .395.

Maggie Caputo, So., 3B, Putnam Valley: A three-year varsity player and multi-sport athlete, Caputo continues to thrive with the Tigers. This season, Caputo leads the Tigers in batting average (.426), hits (23), doubles (8), triples (3), home runs (2), RBIs (31), and runs scored (22).

Alyssa Calvello, 8th, P, Yonkers Montessori: After making her varsity debut as a seventh-grader, Calvello has taken a big step forward on the diamond. She's batting .615, with four doubles, two triples, five home runs — including a grand slam — and 20 RBIs. As a pitcher, she eclipsed the 100-strikeout mark this season.

Zia Cohen, So., OF/P, Croton-Harmon: A newcomer this season, Cohen has carved out a niche for herself as an outfielder and backup pitcher. She's good at tracking down fly balls in the outfield and is competitive when stepping in as a relief pitcher. Cohen is batting .333 this year.

Aubrey Dwyer, Fr., RF, Albertus Magnus: Dwyer is batting a team-high .525, with four doubles and eight runs scored. She also has an on-base percentage of .604 and a 1.229 OPS.

Katelyn Flanagan, So., CF, Putnam Valley: A fierce competitor who's unafraid to run into fences or dive to make highlight catches, Flanagan complements her defensive efforts as one of the Tigers' top hitters. This year, she's batting .381 with 21 hits, including three doubles, three triples, one home run and 21 runs scored.

Nicolette Giorgio, Fr., 2B/P, Dobbs Ferry: She's solid defensively with her glove, and she's made big plays at the plate, too. Giorgio is batting .400, with one double, two triples, one home run, 17 RBIs, and a .429 on-base percentage. She especially shines when runners are on, as she bats .524 with runners in scoring position.

Ashlyn Goldberg, So., 2B, Croton-Harmon: A reliable presence in the infield, Goldberg has been heating up in the second half of the season and becoming a clutch hitter for the Tigers. She is batting .415 this season.

Sophia Misiti, So., LF/C, Croton-Harmon: An all-around, instinctive impact player, Misiti is batting .517, with three doubles, a triple, one home run, nine RBIs and 15 stolen bases. A solid starting outfielder with a strong arm, Misiti also serves as the backup catcher when needed.

Bella Montesano, So., SS, Blind Brook: The hard-hitting Trojan standout is enjoying another big year for her team. She's already racked up 35 RBIs, hit one home run, and stole 13 bases.

Charlotte Picone, 8th, OF/3B, Rye Neck: Following the footsteps of her older sisters, Evelyn and Clare - two key contributors in the Panthers' recent section titles - Charlotte is on track to enjoy a long, fruitful varsity career of her own. She's established her own identity as a versatile hitter and fielder, batting .387, and she's lined up in the outfield or at third base at various points of the season.

Samantha Rodney, 8th, LF/3B, Pawling: She's shown tremendous growth over the course of the season and can line up in the outfield or at third base. On a team filled with plenty of experienced veterans, Rodney is making her mark as an eighth-grader. She quickly worked her way into the starting lineup early in the season. Rodney is batting .455, with six doubles, one triple, 13 RBIs, and 14 runs scored.

Kaleigh Rund, Fr., C, Putnam Valley: A stabilizing presence in the infield, Rund has the second-highest batting average in her second season on varsity at .387. She also has seven doubles, one triple, 20 RBIs and 11 runs scored.

Lexi Tomaselli, Fr., SS, Pleasantville: After a standout eighth-grade season, Tomaselli has elevated her game even higher as a freshman. She is batting .633, with three doubles, two triples, 12 RBIs and 34 runs scored. She also has 21 stolen bases, and is a defensive lifeline at shortstop.

Class C

Sophia Aqeel, So., C, North Salem: She continues to be an all-around threat for the Tigers. Aqeel is batting .832, with 11 doubles, two triples, one home run, 22 RBIs, and 12 runs scored. She also has 11 walks and nine stolen bases. While she's played a variety of positions throughout her varsity career, Aqeel has settled in at catcher.

Katie Attwood, Fr., P, Tuckahoe: After a breakout season as an eighth-grader, Attwood has continued to shine as a pitcher and hitter. Attwood is 9-3, with a 1.75 ERA and 149 strikeouts over 73 innings. She's also batting .490 with eight doubles, three triples, three home runs, 27 RBIs and 26 runs scored.

Jenny Barrios, So., C, Hamilton: The Red Raider catcher is batting .375, with a .542 on-base percentage. She is also a speed threat on the bases and is a perfect 12-for-12 in stolen base attempts.

Allegra Clementson, 7th, P, Haldane: She's batting .451 on the season and has emerged as one of the Blue Devils' most-valuable players while settling in as their primary pitcher. Clementson has 60 strikeouts over 54 innings pitched and helps Haldane stay competitive when she takes the circle.

Lainey Donaghy, 8th, C/SS/3B, Haldane: Her work defensively has been impressive, especially at third base or shortstop, wherever her team needs her and leads the team in putouts. She's also helped out behind the plate. Offensively, Donaghy is batting .409, with a .500 on-base percentage and an .897 slugging percentage. She's scored 13 runs and has 10 RBIs.

Cayleigh Handel, 8th, C, Tuckahoe: She's taken the reins at catcher and has had a great season. Handel is batting .449, with five doubles, four triples, a home run, 20 RBIs and 22 runs scored.

Autumn Jones, Fr., UTIL, Hamilton: She's lined up wherever her team needs her and has spent time in the middle infield, outfield, and she can pitch. She is batting .333, with a .619 on-base percentage and 14 runs scored. Jones is also a perfect 19-for-19 in stolen base attempts.

Cora Kennedy, So., SS/P, North Salem: After an all-section honorable mention season as a freshman, Kennedy is having another big year with the Tigers. This year, she's batting .623, with six doubles, five triples, one home run, 23 runs scored, seven RBIs and 17 stolen bases. While she's primarily a shortstop, she's also helped out as pitcher when needed, sporting a 1-1 record in the circle with 27 strikeouts.

Taya Schwartzbard, Fr., P, Leffell School: She excels at the plate, batting .416 with 10 runs scored, and she also has 78 strikeouts over 49 innings in the circle. Schwartzbard is 5-4 and has a bright future ahead, as Leffell School undergoes its second season as a varsity softball program.

Follow Eugene Rapay on Twitter at @erapay5 and on Instagram at @byeugenerapay.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Softball: Section 1 impact underclassmen in Class A, B, C in 2024